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Posted 10/15/2018 1:00 PM (GMT 0)
For all the Active Survelience people lurking like me on the site, I thought I would provide an update on my journey.

Just had my 2nd biopsy a few weeks ago. The biopsy results show no change with 1 or 12 with a G6 10%. Urologist says I do not need another biopsy for 3 years as long as PSA stays in the same range. Latest PSA is at 6.7

Unfortunately, by prostate continues to grow now up to 95. I really don't have a major problem with urination. I only need to get up once during the night and have no problems during the day. The Dr. doesn't seem to be too concerned about it. He says he will prescribe something if urination becomes a problem. I worry about the prostate's continued growth and possible other future side effects. I am still doing a little research about the condition and how it may also impact my options if the cancer progresses.

Any links or information would be appreciated. Thanks
Posted 10/15/2018 2:08 PM (GMT 0)
The three year recess on "protocol" biopsies sounds good. Is there a requirement for regular MRI's in your program?

IMHO, what to do about the enlargement depends on the problems it gives you. It sounds like you have minimal issues, from what you described, so you may not need anything more than pills, when that becomes necessary.

There are some new methods to deal with enlargement, Prostate Artery Embolization, and the Uro-Lift. One is an interventional radiology procedure, and the other a compressing implant. Of course, there are TURPs of various types.

But, getting up once a night sounds very normal.
Posted 10/15/2018 2:12 PM (GMT 0)
Sounds like you're doing well.

The enlargement isn't the best thing, but the doc can deal with that in a number of ways (meds, surgery). Until it causes a problem, it's not a problem.
Posted 10/16/2018 8:14 PM (GMT 0)
Sounds great, thanks for the update!

Finasteride is a commonly prescribed pill which reduces the size of the prostate...it might be what your urologist was talking about when he mentioned a prescription in case it starts to affect ability to urinate. When the prostate gets enlarged, the urethra running through the middle of it gets pinched down and causes problems. The finasteride shrinks the prostate which relieves the compression on the urethra. (If you go that route, your urologist will also inform you that shrinking your prostate--often by about half--typically cuts the rate of PSA production by the prostate in about half...so you'll want to be aware of that when comparing PSA test results.) Flomax is another commonly prescribed alternative.
Posted 10/17/2018 12:45 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for your responses. They are greatly appreciated.
Posted 10/18/2018 1:25 AM (GMT 0)
I am almost at the 4 year mark. I had 3 biopsies but none in the last 18 months. PSA has been below 1 for a while, .8 at this weeks visit. Only treatment has been TURP so I could pee again, very successful, and finasteride. The finasteride has reduced the size of my prostate from 137 at initial biopsy to 40 at my last.

Dr's advice is to go without a biopsy unless my PSA rises. I am seeing him every 4 months and doing a DRE every other visit. darn, his finger has gotten bigger.
Posted 10/18/2018 12:40 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks ShinytopPC

Any side effects using finasteride ???
Posted 10/18/2018 1:43 PM (GMT 0)
https://www.rxlist.com/propecia-side-effects-drug-center.htm
Posted 10/19/2018 1:14 AM (GMT 0)

Htownman said...
Thanks ShinytopPC

Any side effects using finasteride ???

None that I have noticed. One I have read about is loss of libido. I have not noticed that and I am 70.
Posted 10/19/2018 4:27 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for this post as that is an issue that concerns me as well: On active surveillance (AS) but still wondering about other prostate issues. My father dealt with BPH for a long time (but never prostate cancer), so I feel I might inherit that one.
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